Harris Sustains Her Momentum in 2024 Contest With Trump

Despite persistent economic concerns—voters’ perception of the economy remains largely unchanged since Harris assumed the top spot on the ticket—the Democratic nominee is making headway. Voters are showing less inclination to blame Harris for the economic troubles that were prevalent under Biden’s administration. Additionally, Harris is seen as more trustworthy than Trump when it comes to safeguarding personal freedoms.

Political Impact

Harris’ recent successes extend beyond the traditional “Blue Wall” states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. She is re-engaging crucial Sun Belt states like Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina, which are essential for an Electoral College victory. Particularly notable is her progress in North Carolina—a state that has historically been challenging for Democrats, with its last Democratic win being in 2008 under Barack Obama.

Campaign Dynamics

Although Harris did not experience a significant post-Democratic National Convention bump, her campaign is effectively leveraging the reset in the presidential race following Biden’s withdrawal. This strategic positioning has allowed her to capitalize on Trump’s vulnerabilities and recalibrate the battleground map in her favor.

In Other News

• Military and Security Updates: The U.S. Army has defended a staff member who had a contentious encounter with Trump’s campaign team at Arlington National Cemetery, describing the confrontation as unfairly criticized after being “abruptly pushed aside.” Additionally, the Defense Department is set to enhance security measures for presidential and vice-presidential candidates as the election approaches.

• Economic Indicators: The U.S. economy grew at a revised annual rate of 3% in the second quarter, with consumer spending showing a more robust performance than initially reported. Despite this, the housing market remains sluggish, with pending sales of existing homes reaching an all-time low in July due to high prices and borrowing costs.

• Corporate Leadership Shifts: A record number of CEOs—1,250—have announced their departures so far this year, a 13% increase from last year’s figures. This trend is particularly pronounced in the technology sector, where 133 CEOs have exited amid a broader wave of job cuts.

Watch & Listen

• Television: Bloomberg Television’s “Balance of Power” will feature an interview with Emory University political science professor Andra Gillespie discussing Harris’ recent trip to Georgia and the state’s significance in the election. Additionally, Kyle Kondik from the University of Virginia Center for Politics will analyze how the presidential race is influencing down-ballot contests.

• Podcast: The “Big Take” podcast will delve into the current mpox outbreak, exploring why it may have been preventable and the costs involved in combating it.

Upcoming Economic Reports

• Federal Reserve Data: The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge will be reported at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.
• Consumer Sentiment: The University of Michigan’s index for August will be released at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
• Unemployment Rate: The August unemployment figures will be available at 8:30 a.m. on September 6.
• Labor Day: Markets will be closed on September 2 for the Labor Day holiday.
• Congressional Schedule: Both the House and Senate are in recess and will reconvene on September 9.
• Debates: The first presidential debate is scheduled for September 10, with the vice-presidential debate set for October 1.

Other Notable Developments

• Justice Department Findings: The DOJ’s internal watchdog has criticized the FBI for mishandling child sexual abuse allegations, even after implementing new procedures following the high-profile mishandling of the gymnastics doctor case.

• Public Health: A listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat has resulted in nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations, marking the largest such outbreak in the U.S. since 2011.

Additional Resources

• Balance of Power: Stay updated with the latest political news and global analysis.
• FOIA Files: Jason Leopold’s newsletter uncovers previously unseen government documents.
• Ballots & Boundaries: A weekly update on campaign trends and state voting laws.
• CityLab Daily: Insights into American municipalities and urban issues.
• Five Things to Start Your Day: Essential business and market news each morning.
• Brussels Edition: A daily briefing on critical European Union developments.

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